Outdoor programme

We run an series of outdoor events throughout the year, though summer is the main season. These events are usually around the Reading area but also include an trips to the coast for bird watching. See our Events calendar for an alternative listing of events. Field meetings normally take place at the weekend. They are led by an expert and are typically only a couple of miles in length. The Wednesday morning walks, which are four to four and a half miles in length, are of general interest. There is the option of a pub drink/snack afterwards. All meetings start at the Grid Reference at the time stated. Please bring your own refreshments for all-day outings. If requiring a lift, please telephone the contact number given against the excursion. No responsibility for any mishaps occurring during the walks is accepted by the Society or by the walk leaders. All persons attending excursions do so at their own risk. No dogs are allowed on Nature Reserves, and in other places must be kept on short leads.

There is no fee for joining a walk unless specified and visitors are welcome.

Summer programme 2018

14th April (Saturday) 14.00 at SU749709MAIDEN ERLEGH RESERVELeader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Park and meet on the Oak Wood side of Instow Road, Earley for a walk through Oak Wood, Moor Copse, Oldpond Copse and along Maiden Erlegh Lake. We should see Marsh-marigold, Golden-saxifrage and other early spring flowers.

18th April (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU670740WEST READING WOODLANDSLeader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 / 0776 036797)
Meet at the recreation ground opposite The Victoria pub where we will return for lunch. Park behind the pub or along Kentwood Hill or else take no. 17 bus from town centre. Visit four separate woodland parks set in suburban Tilehurst with a surprisingly good range of spring woodland flowers including Bluebells, Brooklime, Moschatel and Golden-saxifrage. About 4 miles, some fairly steep slopes but no stiles.

29th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU870860WINTER HILL, MARLOWLeader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill. Look for Meadow Saxifrage and other early flowers of chalk grassland on Winter Hill, then explore the wet pasture and ponds of nearby Cock Marsh. Two mile walk with steep hills, may be wet in places.

5th May (Saturday) 10.00 at SU592868CHOLSEYLeader: (Tel. 01491 651609)
Come and see the meadow that Tony has created, as described in his inspiring lecture last winter. We should see Cowslips, Meadow Saxifrage, small mammals, butterflies and reptiles. Tony’s address is Red Cow Cottage, 46 Wallingford Road, Cholsey, OX10 9LB. Suggest roadside parking in one of the quieter side streets nearby, eg Rothwells Close.

20th May (Sunday) 14.30 at SU726958ASTON ROWANT NNRLeader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the northern end of Cowleaze Wood car park, about 3km north-east of Christmas Common. We should see a good selection of early summer chalk grassland plants, including Early-purple Orchids, Horseshoe Vetch and Chalk Milkwort, plus Grizzled and Dingy Skipper butterflies. Very steep in places.

22nd May (Tuesday walk) 10.15 at SU599834SOUTH STOKE RIVER THAMES AND ‘THE PRAIRIE’Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4787 / 07813 730 446)
Park in the car park of the Perch and Pike, The Street, South Stoke (RG8 0JS). The walk will take in a mixture of the Thames Path, country lanes and the farm land known locally as The Prairie to the North East of Goring Gap. Apart from the amazing views we will be looking out for the birds, butterflies and wild flowers of the area. Some of the paths are muddy after rain.

2nd June (Saturday) 10.00 – 16:00 at SU851799BEE IDENTIFICATION DAY AT WOOLLEY FIRSOrganiser: (Tel. 0118 926 8341)
Trevor Smith will run an indoor bee identification workshop at BBOWT’s Woolley Firs Environmental Education Centre, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ, followed by an outdoor practical session. Bring lunch, and a hand lens and identification guides if you have them. Booking with Tricia is essential, cost £5. Optionally, come at 08:30 to see the moth traps being opened.

20th June (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU329827CROG HILL AND SEVEN BARROWS, LAMBOURNLeader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 / 0776 036797)
Meet at the small car park adjoining the BBOWT Seven Barrows Nature Reserve just off the minor road from Lambourn to Kingston Lisle. There should be Pyramidal Orchids (including white-flowered variety) and Fragrant Orchids in bloom surrounding the Bronze Age burials and also a good selection of chalk downland plants. The 4 mile walk has no stiles and will be followed by lunch at the George Hotel, Lambourn.

24th June (Sunday)ASHAM MEADS 10.30 at SP590143
WOODSIDES MEADOW 14.00 at SP558193Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633 / 07941 207687)
Join us for a visit to either or both of these BBOWT meadow nature reserves near Otmoor. Bring your lunch so that we can picnic between the visits. Meet at the Asham Meads car park for the morning session and at the roadside for the afternoon session. Parking is limited so please car share if possible. Both sites feature typical meadow species such as Great Burnet, Pepper-saxifrage, Yellow Rattle, Lady’s Bedstraw and butterflies including Marbled White and the orange Skippers.

7th July (Saturday) 10.30 at SU614634DRAGONFLY WALK AT DECOY HEATHLeader: (Tel. 0118 969 4197 / 07815 644385)
County Dragonfly Recorder Mike Turton has kindly agreed to show us round BBOWT’s Decoy Heath Reserve, one of the best sites in Berkshire for dragonflies and damselflies, including Emerald and White-legged Damselfly and Brilliant Emerald. Meet at the reserve car park on the west side of Soke Road, opposite the Allport factory at Aldermaston Soke.

11th July (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU927789JUBILEE RIVERLeader: (Tel. 0118 986 1518 or 07739 514895)
Meet at the car park of Dorney Court Garden Centre, where we will return for lunch. The 3 mile walk will follow the Jubilee River and return along the Thames. We should see an interesting collection of waterside plants, including Great Burnet, Purple Loosestrife and Marsh Woundwort. The route is mostly flat with one stile.

21st July (Saturday) 21.30 at SU616796
22nd July (Sunday) 09.00MOTHING AT HARTSLOCKLeader: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Park inside the entrance to BBOWT’s Hartslock reserve. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. Bring torches and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along next morning to view the contents of the traps.

4th August (Saturday) 14.30 at SU671879GANGSDOWN HILL, NUFFIELDLeaders: (Tel. 0118 972 2137)
Park in the lay-by on the north side of the A4130 at Gangsdown Hill near Nuffield for a pleasant 7 km stroll down the hill and return by a more or less parallel route. We should see an interesting range of arable and chalk grassland flowers, including Corn Marigold and Wild Candytuft.

15th August (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU523645CROOKHAM COMMON AND BAYNES WOODLeader: (Tel. 0118 941 4750 / 07464 603 236)
Meet at the car park at the top of Crookham Hill for a 3-mile walk across Crookham Common and through Baynes Wood, part of BBOWT’s Bowdown Woods reserve. We might see Grayling butterflies and Autumn Lady’s-tresses on the Common, and Silver-washed Fritillary and other butterflies in Baynes Wood.

19th August (Sunday) 14.00 at SU522544THE WARREN AT TIDGROVELeaders: (01635 268442/0775 853478)
Meet at Tidgrove (RG25 3EN) by kind invitation of Raleigh Place, who has a habitat creation scheme under Higher Level Stewardship and manages his land to encourage breeding Stone Curlews, Lapwings and other birds and butterflies. Uncultivated areas are reverting to chalk grassland. There is a newly-created lake and a rich arable flora including Venus’s-looking-glass, Dense-flowered Fumitory and Red Hemp-nettle.

1st September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU726533BARTLEY HEATHLeader: (Tel. 0118 941 1688 / 07733 488 266)
Meet at the Hants & IoW Wildlife Trust reserve car park on the east side of the B3349, 300 metres before M3 junction 5. The reserve is famous for its striking Marsh Gentians. Other wet heathland plants we might see include Saw-wort, Petty Whin, Devil’s-bit Scabious, Sneezewort and Lesser Skullcap.

19th September (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU683840STOKE ROWLeaders: (Tel. 07702 364 618) and (Tel. 07790 993959)
Meet at the Cherry Tree Inn for a walk of about 4 miles along tracks through farmland and beech woodland, with some steep ascents and descents.

Winter programme 2017/2018

21st October (Saturday) 14.00 at SU748651FUNGUS FORAY AT FARLEY HILLLeader: (Tel. 01252 874899)
Join us for a leisurely walk through Great Copse in search of fungi. Park at the side of the road in Kiln Lane. a quiet road which turns westwards off Priest Hill, at the point where it bends through a right angle before dropping steeply downhill.

26th November (Sunday) 14.00 at SU505652BOWDOWN WOODSLeader: Roger Dobbs (Tel. 01635 268318 / 07946 034118)
Join Reserve Warden Roger Dobbs for a 1½ hour walk through BBOWT’s Bowdown Woods. Find out about the wildlife, management and history of this 135-acre semi-natural ancient woodland. From ¼ mile east of the Control Tower roundabout on Burys Bank Road, turn eastwards down the first tarmac road. Meet at the Bomb Site car park at the end of the track.

2018

27th January (Saturday) 10.30 at SU326789LAMBOURN Nearest postcode RG17 8XU
Leader: (Tel. 07790 896 118)
A walk of about two miles looking at geology, scenery and building stones around Lambourn, including Lynch Woods Springs SSSI, where we will examine the chalk geology, geomorphology and hydrology of the area. Meet at the cross in front of St Michael & All Angels Church.

24th March (Saturday) 14.00 at SU711919MOSS WALK AT GREENFIELD COPSE NEAR WATLINGTONLeader: Sean O’Leary (Tel. 07976 283 142)
Walk to look at mosses and liverworts. Stout footwear required, with some slopes and stiles. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Parking is available in the ‘Tree Barn’ car park, Greenfield Farm, OX49 5HG, with thanks to the proprietor.

INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10.15

Venues will be established by the Monday evening of the week concerned. Details of the walk will be announced at the Tuesday evening talk or ring the leader:

Summer programme 2017

8th April (Saturday) 14.00 at SU617621PAMBER FOREST
Leader: Jan Haseler (Tel. 0118 941 4750 or 07464 603 236)
Meet at the car park at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath, for a 3 mile walk through the forest, looking for butterflies, birds and spring flowers, including Wild Daffodils. Parts of Pamber Forest can be very muddy.

19th April (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU509731HERMITAGE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 or 0776 603 6797)
Meet at the car park of the Fox Inn, Hermitage on the main B4009 road, where we will return for lunch. Five mile walk though woodland and farmland over Oare Common to Oareborough Hill. No stiles but one steep climb and rather muddy in parts. We should see a good range of spring flowers.

30th April (Sunday) 10.30 at SU633738SPRING FLOWER WALK AT MOOR COPSE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the car park of BBOWT’s Moor Copse reserve for a two mile walk through the woods. Bluebells should be at their best and we hope to see Early-purple Orchid, Large Bitter-cress and Water Avens in flower.

7th May (Sunday) 5.00 at SU572664DAWN CHORUS AT WOOLHAMPTON
Leader: (Tel. 01635 268 442/07528 672587)
Meet at the Rowbarge, Station Road, Woolhampton RG7 5SH. Please park in the main car park which is for patrons and walkers alike. Members/visitors are requested to assemble with consideration for others not getting up quite so early!

17th May (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU582690GREYFIELD WOOD, BEENHAM
Leader: (Tel. 0118 375 1756)
Park at RG7 5NY or at the Six Bells 200 yards south of the wood. During the walk we may see Drab Looper moth, Early-purple Orchid and other spring flowers and hear a variety of bird song (e.g. Firecrest, Spotted Flycatcher and Marsh Tit). A couple who help look after the wood and live nearby may show us their planted meadow and interesting shrubs.

29th May (Bank Holiday Monday) 10.00 at SP570126OTMOOR
Leader: (Tel. 07846 567839)
Meet at the RSPB car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, Beckley (please car share where possible). The largest remnant of the undrained, unimproved moor is owned by the MoD and is a SSSI. Generally not open to the public, this is a chance visit to this restricted area, including one of the finest meadows in the country, boasting rarities such as Fen Violet and Downy-fruited Sedge. Joint meeting with the Oxfordshire Flora Group and participation restricted to eight members. Contact Renée Grayer to book a place (Tel. 0118 986 2149).

21st June (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU720878WARBURG RESERVE, BIX
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633 / 07941 207687)
Meet at the car park of the BBOWT reserve. A walk through the flower-rich grasslands and woods of this magnificent place, looking for orchids and other rare wildflowers such as Herb Paris. This is also a good site for birds, reptiles, butterflies, moths and dragonflies.

24th June (Saturday) 10.30 at SU639574BEE WALK at THE VYNELeader: (Tel. 0118 926 8341)
Exploration of the gardens of the Vyne to look at and identify bees amongst other delights in the walled garden and herbaceous borders. The Vyne is a National Trust property between Bramley and Sherborne St John (RG24 9HL). Follow National Trust signs to the car park. There is a shuttle to the walled garden from the ticket office. Meet at the car park at 10.30 or at the entrance of the walled garden at 10.45. Entrance is £11.75 or free for members (we hope to have some free entry places with life members).

16th July (Sunday) 14.30 at SU467997DRY SANDFORD PIT
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633 / 07941 207687)
Meet at the car park of this BBOWT Nature Reserve. Thousands of Marsh Helleborines should be in flower here at this time of the year, together with many other interesting plants. The pools and ponds are good locations for damselflies, including the very rare Southern Damselfly. Willow and Reed Warblers and Reed Buntings may be heard in the dense areas of reed. The car park of Dry Sandford Pit is very small, so please car share if possible.

19th July (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU768911TURVILLE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 or 0776 603 6797)
Meet at the car park of the Bull and Butcher, Turville, where we will return for lunch. The five mile walk will go through fields and mixed woodland to a chalk downland slope, where we hope to see a good range of flowers and butterflies. A couple of stiles and some fairly steep but steady climbs.

29th July (Saturday) 20.30 at SU594768
30th July (Sunday) 09.00 to 11.00MOTHING & SUMMER PARTY at UPPER BASILDON
Hosts: Susan and Peter Twitchett (Tel. 01491 671 373)
Leader: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Moth trapping will take place in the garden at Coromandel, Bethesda Street, Upper Basildon, RG8 8NT. Bethesda Street runs between Aldworth Road and Park Wall Lane and Coromandel is on the east side, with a large oak in the front garden and a gravel drive. Parking at Coromandel is limited, so if possible, please park at the Village Hall, on the west side of Bethesda Street about 0.4 miles towards Park Wall Lane. Contributions of food and drink on the night will be welcome. Bring a torch. Alternatively meet on Sunday 30th July from 09.00 to view some of the catch.

5th August (Saturday) 14.30 at SU726958ASTON ROWANT
Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4787 or 07813 730 446)
Meet at the Northern end of the Cowleaze Wood car park. The entrance is about 1.7 miles from Christmas Common on the Christmas Common to A40 road. Turn left on entering the car park and drive to the end. We could see up to 20 species of butterfly, including Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalkhill Blue, plus many species of chalk grassland flowers. Some steep ascents and descents.

23rd August (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU744631BLACKWATER RIVER NEAR FARLEY HILL
Leader: (Tel. 01635 268442/ 07528 672587)
Meet at Well House Lane, Hook, RG27 0RJ. There is a diverse range of habitats and the leader has done the BTO surveys here for over 25 years.

27th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU583807THE HOLIES, STREATLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 4750 / 07464 603 236)
Meet in the National Trust car park on the right hand side of the road at the top of Streatley Hill. The Holies is a superb site for chalk flowers and invertebrates. The second generation Adonis Blue butterflies should be on the wing and we should see Pale Toadflax, Carline Thistle, Yellow-wort and both Autumn and Chiltern Gentians. Some steep hills and rough ground.

9th September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU733715HARRIS GARDEN TREE WALK
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at car park no 11 to the right of the Pepper Lane entrance of The University of Reading. A walk through the former botanical garden, looking at unusual and interesting trees planted there during the years. We also hope to see Ivy Broomrape in fruit.

20th September (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU683902SWYNCOMBE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 4750 / 07464 603 236)
Meet at Swyncombe Church for a circular walk of about 4.5 miles through a mixture of arable farmland, beech woodland and fine chalk grassland. Some steep hills.

24th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU850629WILDMOOR HEATH (BBOWT reserve)
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at South Road, Crowthorne (the short spur running north off Rackstraw Road). We should see a range of heathland and bog plants, including local rarities such as White Beak-sedge and Oblong-leaved Sundew. Wellies recommended.

Winter programme 2016/2017

15th October (Saturday) 14.00 at SU812636FUNGUS FORAY AT SIMON’S WOOD FINCHAMPSTEAD
Leader: Tel. 01252 874899
Meet at the car park on Wellingtonia Avenue – there is a small sign to the wood on the opposite (south) side of the road. A 1-2 mile walk through this National Trust wood in search of fungi.

19th November (Saturday) 10.00 at SU634738HARVEST MOUSE NEST HUNT AT MOOR COPSE
Leader: Tel. 07477 085246
We will be looking for the nests of harvest mice and may see the results of mammal trapping by Dr Amanda Lloyd of the Berkshire Mammal Group. Meet at the car park of BBOWT’s Moor Copse reserve.

11th December (Sunday) 14.00 at SU770841WALK ALONG THE THAMES FROM REMENHAM
Leader: Tel. 01491 578633 / 07941 207687
A circular walk along the Thames starting at Remenham and going past Hambleden Lock, looking for water fowl and water plants. Park near Remenham Church, where we will meet. Parking very limited so please car share, where possible.

25th February (Saturday) 10.30 at SU702868NETTLEBED COMMON Nearest postcode RG9 5BA
Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118
Meet at the shelter on The Green, next to notice board, to look at the geology of the Common, which is one of the highest river gravel terraces of the area, with a lot of sink holes, including one recent one. Cars can be parked alongside The Green.

11th March (Saturday) 14.00 at SU642859MOSS WALK TO WARREN BANK NATURE RESERVE
Leader: Tel. 07976 283 142
Meet at the car park of King William pub, Ipsden (you can also park nearby) for a 3-4 km walk near Warren Bank Nature Reserve, looking at mosses and liverworts. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing recommended.

Summer programme 2016

16th April (Saturday) 14.00 at SU 870860WINTER HILL, MARLOW
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill. Explore this chalk grassland reserve and surrounding wet pasture and ponds while the spring flowers are at their best. One to two mile walk but with steep hills.

20th April (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 584689BEENHAM
Leader: (Tel. 0118 9614277 or 0776 603 6797)
Meet at the car park opposite the Six Bells, where we will return for lunch. Four mile circular walk through woodland and farmland around Douai Abbey. Several stiles; may be muddy in places. Spring flowers, especially Bluebells, should be in bloom.

30th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 655727HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers such as Bluebells and Early-Purple Orchids.

15th May (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 813850KINGS BARN FARM, MEDMENHAM (private property)
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633)
A return visit to see various conservation initiatives on this farm and woodland where additional land recently has been purchased providing the opportunity to extend the species survey. Some short steep slopes. Take minor road opposite the entrance to Danesfield Hotel. Keep right through gates for Kings Barn Manor and park by the green agricultural buildings and pond.

18th May (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 597761UPPER BASILDON
Leader: (Tel. 01491 671373)
Park at the Red Lion, Upper Basildon for a 5 mile walk in woods and quiet roads & villages – one or two stiles. Option of pub lunch at end.

28th May (Saturday) 20.00 at SU 617621SILCHESTER COMMON
Leader: (Tel. 0118 9700805)
Meet at the car park in Impstone Road, Pamber Heath. An evening walk (around 1 mile) to view local flora and birds, followed by a search for nightjars, woodcock and bats. Bring a torch, warm clothing and appropriate footwear for walking in uneven terrain in the dark. We’ll finish around 22.30.

15th June (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 550844ASTON UPTHORPE DOWNS and LOWBURY HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 9414750 or 07464 603236)
Meet at the grain dryer, about ½ mile down the narrow lane which runs southwards from the A417. Four mile circular walk up through Juniper Valley to Lowbury Hill, with Small Heath butterflies and fine chalk flowers including Dropwort, Wild Candytuft and Field Mouse-ear.

9th July (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 857809MAIDENHEAD THICKET – BUTTERFLY WALK
Leader: (Tel: 07938 577944)
Once a notorious area for highwaymen, this now peaceful woodland contains many ancient oaks and an Iron Age enclosure. The target is the elusive White-letter Hairstreak butterfly, and hopefully a few other species along the way. Meet in the car park off the Henley Road (A4130). Binoculars will be very useful if we see WLH. If wet, ring to confirm whether walk is on.

13th July (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 709819GREAT BOTTOM WOOD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 972 2137)
The meeting place is the Red Lion, Peppard Common. We hope to see some orchids in the deep shade of this beechwood.

20th July (Wed – Field meeting) 10.15 at SU 723513GREYWELL MOORS, HANTS WILDLIFE TRUST RESERVE
Leader: (Tel. 0752 867 2587)
Meet at the Pumping Station on Deptford Lane, east of Greywell village for a 2 mile walk through marsh/fen grassland and woodland. Pub lunch in Greywell village for those who would like it and an option to continue the walk along the Basingstoke Canal to Odiham Castle after lunch.

30st July (Saturday) 21.00 at SU 644777
31st July (Sunday) 09.00 to 11.00MOTHING at CHALKHILLS (Boze DownVineyard), WHITCHURCH-on-THAMES
Leader: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Members only
From Whitchurch-on-Thames High Street drive east for 1km (0.6m) along Hardwick Road to a point where a single telephone wire crosses the road diagonally. Chalkhills is a house on the left and after that there is a gate on the left into a field where we will park if it is dry. Please look for notices as parking may change. Wear stout footwear and bring a torch. Alternatively meet on Sunday 31st July from 09.00 to view some of the catch.

7th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SP 766002CHINNOR NATURE RESERVE, Bucks
Leader: Tel 01491 578 633
A reserve new to our programme: clay-with-flints at the top and chalky at the bottom. It includes part of the Icknield Way and some woodland. Fine views of The Vale of Aylesbury, birds, Gentians, Carline Thistle and Juniper on the steep slopes, Bronze Age burial mounts and Holloways. We will be walking down the hill in the reserve and back up again, although there is plenty to see and explore on the top of the hill for anyone who wants to stay on the level. Park at the end of Hill Top Lane.

17th August (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 538644CROOKHAM COMMON and RIVER ENBORNE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 9614277 or 0776 603 6797)
Meet at the car park at the Traveller’s Friend, Crookham where we will return for lunch. Four mile circular walk through heathland, woodland and farmland to the east of Greenham Common and then down along the River Enborne. Two stiles and one steep slope.

20th August (Saturday) 10.30 at SU 787647CALIFORNIA COUNTRY PARK
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the car park of the country park off Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham RG40 4HU (£1.50 for 4 hours) for a walk to the 8000 year old Longmoor Bog SSSI, which contains rare bog plants. We hope to see the rare Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).

3rd September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 710936WATLINGTON HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the National Trust Watlington Hill car park. We should see Autumn and Chiltern Gentians in flower and many other interesting chalk plants.

4th September (Sunday)
BERKHAMPSTEAD
Leader: (Tel: 0118 941 4750)
Following the Winter Programme talk on Edible Dormice, there will be the opportunity to take part as a volunteer in the regional survey of this species. Numbers limited to 10. Pre-booking essential. Car sharing.

21st September (Wednesday walk) 10.15 at SU 637789WHITCHURCH HILL
Leader: (Tel 07813 730446)
Park in the Goring Heath Parish Hall Car Park opposite St John’s Church in Whitchurch Hill. A circular walk of about 4.5 miles through a mixture of woodland, arable, chalk grassland at Hartslock and a section alongside the River Thames. Some steepish ascents and descents. Pub lunch at the nearby Sun Inn, Whitchurch Hill.

Winter programme 2015/2016

2015
25th October (Sunday) 14.00 at SU634675UFTON NERVET
Leader: (Tel. 0118 970 0805)
Park outside the school. Having been here in spring, this is a chance to see what we can find in early autumn: flowers, birds, country views, fishponds, a moat, manor houses and an ancient oak. About 3 miles.

29th November (Sunday) 14.45 at SP570126OTMOOR STARLING MURMURATION
Leader: (Tel. 01491 572 660)
Join us for a late afternoon sighting of the spectacular starling murmuration at this lovely bird reserve near Oxford. Meet at the RSPB reserve car park at the north end of Otmoor Lane. Wrap up warmly and bring a hot drink, torch, binoculars and camera.

19th December (Saturday) 10.30 at SU644623CALLEVA ROMAN TOWN
Leader: (Tel. 0118 987 3223)
Meet at Silchester church car park. A look at local building stone where the walls form a weathered limestone outcrop offering lots of moss and liverworts. Flowering and other plants, birds and invertebrates. About three miles.

2016

9th January (Saturday)

COACH OUTING TO SLIMBRIDGE
Leader: (Tel. 01635 268442 Mob. 07528 672 587)
Starting early to see the birds and miss the crowds, we are heading off to Slimbridge for a full day’s programme, guided by local member Ken White.

5th March (Saturday) 14.00 at SU727957MOSS WALK AT COWLEAZE
Leader: (Tel. 07976 283 142)
Meet at Cowleaze Car Park, north of Christmas Common, for a walk round the nearby woodland area, looking at mosses and liverworts. All levels of expertise welcome. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Going not demanding but stout footwear and warm clothing recommended.

16th April (Saturday) 14.00 at SU870860WINTER HILL, MARLOW
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet at the car park on top of Winter Hill. Explore this chalk grassland reserve and surrounding wet pasture and ponds while the spring flowers are at their best. One to two mile walk but with steep hills.

30th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU655727HAREFIELD COPSE AND BOXGROVE WOOD, TILEHURST
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. A walk through the woods to see a wide range of spring flowers such as Bluebells and Early-purple Orchids.

Summer programme 2015

11th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU772741
ALDERMOORS AT WOODLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the Ashenbury Park car park off Denmark Avenue near Tippings Lane for Wood Anemones, Golden Saxifrage and other spring flowers in this ancient woodland.

15th April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU565769ASHAMPSTEAD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 / 0776 603 6797)
Park by the side of the village green in Ashampstead village. A 4 mile walk over fields and through woodland where we hope to see bluebells and other woodland spring flowers. A few steep parts and probably muddy in places.

26th April (Sunday) 10.30 at SU721879
WARBURG RESERVE, BIX
Leader: (Tel. 07780 600 740)
Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding woodland and chalk grassland reserve while the spring flowers, including Green Hellebore, are at their best.

3rd May (Sunday) 14.00 at SU526762
HAMPSTEAD NORREYS
Leader: (Tel. 07780 568656)
Joint meeting with West Berks Countryside Society, looking at flowers and archaeology in the Hampstead Norreys woods. Meet at the Village Hall car park, on the B4009 at the west end of the village next to the school.

20th May (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU616796
HARTSLOCK RESERVE
Leader: (Tel. 07780 600 740)
Explore BBOWT’s superb chalk grassland reserve when the Monkey Orchids should be at their best. No parking on site. Park in Goring car park (SU599806) and walk (30 mins) or ring to book a seat in our shuttle from the station car park. Return via river walk or shuttle.

30th May (Saturday) 10.30 at SU555621ASHFORD HILL MEADOWS
Leader: (Tel: 01635 268 442)
Meet at the Recreation Ground car park, off the southern branch of Chapel Lane and bring a packed lunch. We will walk a circular route around the reserve, taking in woodland, wetland, meadow and pasture, finishing about 3pm. Ashford Hill Woods and Meadows SSSI is a complex of woods and meadows with a remarkably diverse flora and a number of locally uncommon species.

6thJune (Saturday) 10.30 at SU594812
OTMOOR
Leader: (Tel. 01491 572 660)
Meet at the RSPB reserve car park at the end of Otmoor Lane, which runs down to Otmoor from the eastern end of Beckley village. The reserve is one of the three UK sites for Fen Violet. We should also see other wetland plants, plenty of birds, especially waders and warblers, plus dragonflies and butterflies.

17th June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU454773
PEASEMORE AND GROVE PIT
Leader: (Tel. 0118 961 4277 / 0776 603 6797)
Meet and park at the Fox pub car park at Peasemore. The walk takes us through arable land and woods including Grove Pit Green Nature Reserve at Leckhampstead and a large field of wild flowers that should be good for butterflies. About 4 miles with some moderate climbs and three stiles; possibly muddy in places.

15th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU765572
HAZELEY HEATH, HARTLEY WINTNEY
Leaders: (Tel. 07733 488 266)
Park in Springfield Ave (first left off B3011 as you enter Hartley Wintney) and meet near its junction with Primrose Drive (RG27 8SF). Walk round Hazeley Heath, part of the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, for butterflies (possibly Silver-studded Blue), dry and wet heathland plants, birds and dragonflies. About 4 miles with a few short hills.

18th July (Saturday) 14.30 at SU566531MALSHANGER
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 1688/ 07733 488266)
Take Upper Wootton turning off A329, then turn right before restricted access, through village and left to Malshanger. Park at Shear Down Farm. Harold Makant from Natural England will lead a walk on the Malshanger Estate, including interesting arable plants, woodland, lavender and mint fields. About 3 miles, members only.

26thJuly (Sunday) 14.30 at SU732966
ASTON ROWANT
Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4787 / 07813 730 446)
Meet in the National Nature Reserve car park, on the west side of the Christmas Common to A40 road, signposted from just to the north of the M40 bridge. We could see 20 species of butterfly, including Silver-spotted Skipper and Chalkhill Blue, plus stunning chalk grassland flowers. Some steep ascents and descents.

9th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU694717FOBNEY ISLAND
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the south end of Circuit Lane, Southcote for a walk to the Holy Brook, Kennet & Avon Canal and the nature reserve at Fobney Island. We hope to see many interesting water plants such as the Pink and Blue Water-speedwell and their hybrid, as well as a range of dragonflies and butterflies.

15th August (Saturday) 21.00 at SU46371016th August (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING AT SNELSMORE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Meet in the car park at the entrance to Snelsmore Country Park on B4494. Bring torches and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along next morning to view the contents of the traps.

19th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU648912
EWELME, Oxfordshire
Leader: (Tel: 0118 9475441/07437 161602)
Park at Cow Common Recreation Ground in Ewelme for a circular walk of 3.5 miles. Pub lunch and chance to explore the village (14th century school, church and almshouses) with an optional guided tour (£3 each) of the historic watercress beds, which also have a number of wildflowers.

5th September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU953850
BURNHAM BEECHES
Contact: (Tel. 0118 941 4750 / 07971 476144)
Following last winter’s fascinating talk about Burnham Beeches, we will have a ranger-led walk to look at ancient pollards, wood pasture, heathland and valley mire. Park on Lord Mayor’s Drive (fee £2) and meet near the cafe.

16th September (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU813636
FINCHAMPSTEAD RIDGES & MOOR GREEN LAKES
Leaders: (Tel. 0118 941 4750 / 07971 476 144)
Meet at the National Trust’s Simon’s Wood car park, on the north side of Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead. A 4.5 mile walk through heathland, woodland and along the River Blackwater, with a steep descent and a long climb back to the start.

27th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU499651
GREENHAM COMMON
Leader: (Tel: 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road. This is mainly a heathland site, but with calcareous grassland on the former runways, and Alder woods and valley mires in the gulleys to the south.

Winter programme 2014/2015

11th October (Saturday) 10.30 at SU784718
LEAF MINES AT DINTON PASTURES
Leader: (Tel. 0118 966 5583)
Joint meeting with British Entomological and Natural History Society (BENHS). Meet in the main car park of Dinton Pastures Country Park, off Davis Street, Hurst (fee £2 for 4 hours or £2.50 all day). We will be looking for leaf mines and other insect life, with the opportunity to look round the BENHS building afterwards. Optionally bring or buy lunch and stay for the afternoon session. Bring a hand lens or net if you have one.

2nd November (Sunday) 14.15 at SU704857
FUNGUS FORAY AT NETTLEBED WOODS
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1772)
Join us for our annual fungus foray, which will be a circular walk round Nettlebed Woods. Meet at Highmoor Trench, off the east side of the Highmoor to Nettlebed road.

7th December (Sunday) 10.00 at SU681701
SEARLE’S FARM, BURGHFIELD
Leader: (Tel. 07733 488 266)
Meet at the southern end of Pingewood Road (a dead end) for ducks and other winter bird life at the Searle’s Farm gravel pit complex. Wrap up warmly and it may be muddy underfoot.

2015

10th January (Saturday) 9.30 at SU679044
FARLINGTON MARSHES FOR BIRDS
Leader: (Tel. 01635 268442 Mob. 07528 672 587)
Joint field trip with BBOWT for geese, ducks, grebes and waders at Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth. Meet in the car park of the Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust reserve, accessed from the A27/A2030 Eastern Rd roundabout. Facilities at the service station to the north of the roundabout, but none on the reserve. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes.

7th February (Saturday) 10.30 at SU466997
COTHILL & DRY SANDFORD FOR GEOLOGY
Leader: (Tel. 07790 896 118)
An opportunity to look at part of the Jurassic of Oxfordshire. The local geology gives rise to fen and sandy habitats in close proximity. Dry Sandford is a local and nationally recognised geological site which has been quarried for sandstone and Coral Rag. Meet at the car park at the entrance to Dry Sandford Pit.

7th March (Saturday) 14.00 at SU683902
MOSS WALK AT SWYNCOMBE
Leader: (Tel. 07976 283 142)
Meet at Swyncombe Church for a circular walk round the nearby woodland area, looking at mosses and liverworts. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing essential.

Summer programme 2014

6th May (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU649698
HOSEHILL NEAR THEALE
Leader: (Tel. 0118 375 1756)
Park inside the local nature reserve at Hosehill. The entrance gate is across the road from the Fox & Hounds pub at Sheffield Bottom. We will be looking and listening for spring migrants, especially Nightingales. Bring a torch and be ready to stay out until dusk.

21st May (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU760613
BRAMSHILL
Leader: (Tel: 0118 961 4277 / 0776 603 6797)
Park at small car park at south-east corner of Bramshill Plantation. The SSSI is a large conifer plantation with interesting ditches and pond fringes. We hope to see early flowers of Southern Marsh and Bee Orchids as well as Marsh Frogs. About 4 miles on flat terrain which can be muddy.

1st June (Sunday)PORTON DOWN
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 4750)
See enclosed letter for details of the annual coach trip.

15thJune (Sunday) 14.30 at SU594812
CLEEVE WATER MEADOW, STREATLEY
Leader: (Tel. 07780 600 740)
Park at Streatley Recreation Ground RG8 9PR, off Cleeve Court Drive, which turns E off A329. Join us for a bioblitz at this water meadow on the bank of the River Thames. The owner will tell us about the history and management of the site. Help record meadow flowers, birds, insects and small mammals, including water shrew. Wellies advisable, no dogs, refreshments provided afterwards.

18th June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU801905
MOOREND COMMON, BUCKS
Leader: (Tel: 07780 600 740)
A walk around this 22 hectare site (often wet in places!) to see unusual grasses, sedges and reeds as well as orchids, insects, birds etc. Meet in lay-by on Lane End to Frieth road. Parking is limited – alternative spaces within 400m.

29th June (Sunday) 10.30 at SU493565LADLE HILL
Leader: (Tel. 01635 268 442)
Park at the top of the hill by the side of the minor road to Ashley Warren. We shall walk westwards along the Wayfarers Walk for about 1 mile across an area with interesting arable plants and downland birds to the rich chalk grassland of Ladle Hill. Bring a picnic lunch. Finish about 3pm.

19th July (Saturday) 21.30 at SU61679620th July (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING AT HARTSLOCK
Leader: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Park inside the entrance to BBOWT’s Hartslock reserve. Coming along Gatehampton Road from Goring Station, bear left at the fork after 700m. After a further 1km, continue straight along the track when the road turns up to the left. The reserve entrance is on the right after 100m. Bring torches and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along next morning to view the contents of the traps.

3rdAugust (Sunday) 14.30 at SU640775
CHALKHILLS, WHITCHURCH-ON-THAMES
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578633)
Marked as Bozedown Farm on the OS map, Chalkhills is east of Whitchurch next to Hardwick Road. Park if possible in the farmyard, otherwise park in the next field at SU644776. Come for a general interest walk through fine chalk grassland, farmland and woods where various conservation initiatives have been underway for 20 years or more. Some short steepish ascents and descents.

23rd August (Saturday) 10.30 at SU965649
CHOBHAM COMMON
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Chobham Common is the largest National Nature Reserve in SE England and is managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. Meet at the car park off the B383 near the roundabout. The heather will be flowering and we hope to see some of the many rarities of this site, including the Marsh Gentian, Grayling butterfly and Dartford Warbler.

7th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU463710SNELSMORE COMMON
Leader: (Tel: 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the car park at the entrance to Snelsmore Country Park on the B4494. We should see a range of dry heath and bog plants and possibly also some early fungi.

17th September (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU588639
PAICE’S WOOD AND WASING
Leaders: (Tel. 0118 941 1688 / 07733 488 266)
Meet at Paice’s Wood Country Park main car park off the A340 south of Aldermaston. A general interest walk through Paice’s Wood, and Wasing Wood using some restricted access paths. About 4 miles.

21st September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU736715
LICHENS ON WHITEKNIGHTS CAMPUS
Leader: (Tel. 07786 927 273)
Meet in car park 13 on Whiteknights campus (from Pepper Lane, turn right and follow road to car park 13 sign). Look at lichens on trees where urban and rural influences meet. The campus offers the opportunity to see how nitrogen pollution, bark pH and bark roughness change the species composition of lichen communities on trees.

Winter programme 2013/2014

29th September (Sunday) 14.00 at SU762803
HARPSDEN WOODS – FUNGUS FORAY
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1772
Join us in Harpsden Woods for our annual fungus foray. Coming from the Shiplake direction, park at the side of Woodlands Road, at the wider section about a quarter mile into the woods.

2nd November (Saturday) 14.00 at SU633738
FAMILY WALK AT MOOR COPSE, TIDMARSH
Leader: Tel. 07760 436 712
Meet at the reserve car park, on the east side of the A340, 200m north of the M4. Bring your children or grandchildren (or just come along anyway) to enjoy this BBOWT reserve in autumn.

7th December (Saturday) 10.00 at SU804628
MOOR GREEN LAKES AND BLACKWATER VALLEY
Leader: Tel. 0787 981 2564
Meet at the car park on Lower Sandhurst Road for wintering Goosander and other wildfowl. The walk along the bank of the River Blackwater could have all 3 species of woodpecker, plus Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff and flocks of tits. Distance 4 miles.

2014

18th January (Saturday) 10.15 at SZ879977
PAGHAM HARBOUR FOR BIRDS
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750 Mob. 07971 476144
Joint field trip with BBOWT. Park along the road by the church. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes for a day’s bird watching at Pagham Harbour and on the nearby beach.

8th February (Saturday) 10.30 at SU583723
BRADFIELD FOR GEOLOGY
Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118
Meet at the Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm for a walk of 2.5 miles, taking in the Chalk / Reading Beds unconformity at the quarry above Rushall Farm, an active swallow hole in the woods above and the springs at the Blue Pool.

8th March (Saturday) 14.00 at SU709935
MOSS WALK AT WATLINGTON HILL
Leader: Tel. 07976 283 142
Meet at the National Trust car park at the top of Watlington Hill for a good range of woodland and chalk grassland bryophytes. Bring a hand lens if you have one. Stout footwear and warm clothing essential.

12th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU750708
MAIDEN ERLEGH RESERVE
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Park and meet at Instow Road (Oak Wood side) for a walk through Oak Wood, Moor Copse, Oldpond Copse and along Maiden Erlegh Lake. Marsh-marigold, Golden-saxifrage and other early spring plants should be in flower there.

27th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU725834
GREYS COURT, ROTHERFIELD GREYS
Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Park in the National Trust car park for a spring flower walk in the extensive grounds of Greys Court. The tea-room (free for NT members) is open 11-5, so why not have lunch before the walk or tea and cake afterwards?

Park at the side of the road inHazelmoor Lane. Cross over into New Copse for our annual fungus foray.

1st November (Thursday)

COACH OUTING TO WAKEHURST PLACE

Leader: Tel. 0118 941 1688

Joint trip with Reading Gardeners. Contact leader for details.

11th November (Sunday) 14.00 at SU653662

WOKEFIELD COMMON

Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750

Meet at the car park near the pond. There should be a variety of fungi in this mixed woodland and heathland site. May be muddy.

15th December (Saturday) 10.15 at SU785854

MILL END AND REMENHAM

Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419

Meet at Mill End car park, walk across Hambleden Weir to Aston and Remenham, then back along the bank of theThames, a flat circular walk of about 4 miles.

27th January (Sunday) 10.15 at SZ318927

PENNINGTON MARSHES AND NEW FOREST

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170 Mob. 07971 476144

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Meet at the car park at the end ofLower Pennington Lanefor waders and wildfowl. In the afternoon, move on to Blackwater Arboretum for hawfinches and crossbills. Bring a packed lunch and wear warm clothes.

23rd February (Saturday) 10.30 at SU463710

SNELSMORE COMMON FOR GEOLOGY

Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118

Meet by the toilet block at the entrance car park. Snelsmore Common has an interesting and varied geology, with swallow holes, gravel layers with underlying chalk and bog areas.

23rd March (Saturday) 14.30 at SU731647

LICHENS AT SWALLOWFIELD CHURCH

Leader: Tel. 07920 138 757

Meet at the church car park. A new lichen species forBerkshirewas discovered in Swallowfield churchyard last year. Members of the church will be opening the building for us to look round and offering hot drinks. Bring a hand lens if you have one.

13th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU639574

MORGASTON WOOD, HAMPSHIRE

Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149

Park in the National Trust car park of the Vyne, near Bramley, for a spring flower walk. (N.B. Non-National Trust members have to pay an admission fee to go into the woods)

28th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU663788

BOTTOM WOOD, MAPLEDURHAM

Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622

Park at the roadside in Goring Heath at the SW corner of Gutteridge’s Wood (site of the former King Charles Head pub) for a walk to Bottom Wood for spring flowers in ancient woodland on chalk. Limited parking, so share cars if possible. Some steep hills and the paths may be muddy in places.

Summer programme 2012

15th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU726768CLAYFIELD COPSE AND BLACKHOUSE WOODLeader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the recreation ground car park on Caversham Park Road. We should see a wide variety of spring flowers and ancient woodland indicator species, such as Wild Service-tree and Crab Apple. Some of the wood is secondary, derived from parkland with mature cedar trees, which provides an interesting contrast.

18th April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU762670ARBORFIELD
Leader: Tel. 0118 926 7441
Park in the lay-by almost opposite the Bull Inn (or past the lay-by, left into Chamberlain Gardens) for a general interest stroll of around 4 miles along Pudding Lane to Kenney’s Farm then back via Long Copse. No steep hills, no stiles.

28th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU655727HAREFIELD COPSE, TILEHURSTLeader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. We should be able to enjoy a fine display of bluebells and other spring flowers in Harefield Copse and the adjacent woods.

12th May (Saturday) 14.00 at SU414654ORGANIC RESEARCH CENTRE AT ELM FARM, HAMSTEAD MARSHALLLeader: Tel. 0118 941 1688
Meet at the Elm Farm Centre car park – entrance opposite the White Hart. Walk based on 2.5 mile farm trail, including areas of conservation interest (see www.efrc.com/Facilities). Eco-agroforestry researcher Dr Jo Smith will explain some of the work of the research centre and show us the agroforestry trial. No stiles, may be muddy. Tea/coffee available afterwards.

16th May (Wednesday) 10.00 at SU726957ASTON ROWANT
Leader: Tel. 0118 972 3520 / 07780 600740
Meet at Cowleaze Wood car park for a walk around Aston Rowant NNR to see chalk grassland with early orchids, butterflies and possibly the Juniper Shield Bug. About 4 miles with several steep hills and stiles – slippery if wet. Choice of pubs in nearby Watlington after the walk.

26th May (Saturday) 14.30 at SU616796
HARTSLOCK RESERVELeader: Tel: 07775 673467
Explore the flora and fauna of BBOWT’s superb chalk grassland reserve, when the Monkey Orchids should be at their best. No parking on site. Park in Goring and walk (30 mins) or ring to book a seat in our shuttle service from the station car park.

2nd June (Saturday) 19.00 at SU499918SUTTON COURTENAY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTRE (BBOWT) near DIDCOTLeader: Tel. 01235 511 861
Evening newt survey at/after dusk using torches. Set overnight traps, with the option of coming back 07.00 – 09.00 next morning to help empty the traps and see what has been caught. Pre-newting walk to see other wildlife on site and survey sites in the light. Wear warm clothes and boots and bring a torch.

7th June (Thursday) 19.15 at SU640713THEALELeader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
Meet by the road side at Theale church. Explore little-used paths up to Malpas in search of Water-violet and other unusual plants.

20th June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU546809BERKSHIRE DOWNS NEAR ALDWORTHLeader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
Meet at Starveall, north of Aldworth. Walk across to Town Copse, down to Unhill Bottom, along to a different Starveall Farm, back through Unhill Wood. About 4 miles, some ascents and descents, not steep, could be a very choice walk botanically.

23rd June (Saturday)RANSCOMBE FARM, KENTLeader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
See the letter sent with your programme or contact the leader for details of the annual coach trip and to book your place.

7th July (Saturday) 10.30 at SU584723RUSHALL MANOR FARMLeader: Tel. 0118 375 1756
Park at the Black Barn, on a track north from Back Lane, between Bradfield and Stanford Dingley. A walk through woods and small enclosed fields looking for White Admirals, Silver-washed Fritillaries and more.

18th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU617621PAMBER FOREST
Leader: Tel. 0118 941 4750
Meet at Impstone Road, Pamber Heath. If the sun shines, we may see Silver-studded Blues and Purple Emperors. If not, there should still be plenty to see in this ancient oak woodland and heathland in high summer.

21st July (Saturday) 21.30 at SU60282722nd July (Sunday) 09.00MOTHING AT WITHYMEADLeader: Tel. 0118 975 1499
Take the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for 1km, then turn left at the Leatherne Bottel PH sign. After the railway bridge, turn right along the track for 400m. Bring torches and wear warm clothing for our annual mothing night. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along next morning to view the contents of the traps.

28th July (Saturday) 14.30 at SU806840
MEDMENHAM AND DANESFIELDLeader: Tel: 0118 957 3419
An unusually varied walk taking in water meadows, shaded chalk cliffs, a tunnel, chalk grassland and, time permitting, beech woodland. There is a long gentle climb and, in the woods, a steep descent. The woodland section may be avoided by returning the same way. Park by the roadside in Ferry Lane (turn right at the Dog and Badger).

5th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU685841STOKE ROWLeader: Tel. 01491 578 633
Park in the car park for the Sports Ground and Pavilion, Newlands Lane – sign posted off the main road through Stoke Row. The entrance is a narrow lane to the right between two hedges where the road turns left. A general interest walk taking in the Maharajah’s Well.

15th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU718513GREYWELLLeader: Tel. 0118 941 1688
Meet at the Fox and Goose car park in Greywell village. General interest walk along the Basingstoke Canal, through Butter Wood and along a short stretch of the R Whitewater. 4-5 miles, gentle slopes, no stiles. Could visit Greywell Moors Reserve after lunch.

25th August (Saturday) 14.30 at SU556938LITTLE WITTENHAM
Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
Meet at the car park between Wittenham and Little Wittenham for a 4 mile general interest walk along the Thames, through flower-rich meadows and back through an area of rough grazing.

8th September (Saturday) 18.00 at SU603672ALDERMASTON WHARF FOR BATS
Leader: Tel. 0118 970 0805
Meet at the Aldermaston Wharf Visitor Centre car park for an evening walk by a lake, river and the canal to see birds, flowers and bats. Bring a torch.

15th September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU710936WATLINGTON HILL
Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the National Trust Watlington Hill car park. We should see Autumn and Chiltern Gentians in flower and many other interesting chalk plants.

19th September (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU800779CRAZIES HILLLeader: Tel. 0118 966 9420
‘A walk up hill and down dale around Crazies Hill’. Some stiles and a bit hilly. About 4 miles, may be muddy. Meet at Wyevale Garden Centre car park, Hare Hatch at the end of the Floral Mile.

30th September (Sunday) 11.30 at SU845406 and 14:30 at SU899416FRENSHAM POND and THURSLEY BOGLeader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the visitor centre on the north side of Frensham Pond for a wide range of dry heath plants, making it rather like an outlier of the Breckland heaths of East Anglia. For Thursley Bog, meet at the Moat car park on the road running south from Elstead for a range of interesting wet heath plants, such as Bladderwort and Marsh Clubmoss, and a chance of seeing Great Raft Spiders and a range of dragonflies. Bring a packed lunch.

Winter programme 2011/12

We return to Lambridge Wood, this time for our annual fungus foray. Parking is limited in the wood on the west side of the road from Broadplat to Bix, so car sharing is encouraged.

26th November (Saturday) 10.15 at SU702868

NETTLEBED AND WARBURG RESERVE

Leader: Tel. 0118 957 3419

Meet in Nettlebed near the old brick kiln. Walk to Crocker End, through yew woods down to Bix Bottom, through Warburg Nature Reserve and back via Magpies and Nettlebed Common. About 4 miles with some steep hills and stiles.

10th December (Saturday) 10.15 at SU544810

RIDGEWAY NEAR ALDWORTH

Leader: Tel. 0118 966 9420

Park beyond Starveall Farm north of Aldworth for a circular walk of about 3 miles, looking for winter migrant birds and hares.

2012

29th January (Sunday) 10.00 at SU149097

AVONVALLEY AND NEW FOREST

Leader: Tel. 0118 947 1170 Mob. 07971 476144

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Meet at Ibsley Bridge for Bewick swans. Park at the side of the minor road to the west of the A338 Salisbury–Ringwood road. Then on to Blashford Lakes visitor centre at SU151080 for bramblings, siskins, redpolls, plus ducks, grebes, divers and a chance of bitterns. In the afternoon, move on to Blackwater Arboretum for hawfinches. Bring a packed lunch.

25th February (Saturday) 10.30 at SU782678

THE COOMBES, BARKHAM FOR GEOLOGY

Leader: Tel. 07790 896 118

Park in Coombes Lane, or across Bearwood Road in Sandy Lane, to look at various geological features, including good exposures of Bagshot sands and pebble beds, with Quarternary gravels above and clay below.

24th March (Saturday) 14.30 at SU634675

UFTON NERVET

Leader: Tel. 0118 970 0805

Park outside the school. A walk for early spring flowers, birds, country views, fishponds, a moat, manor houses and an ancient oak. About 3 miles.

15th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU726768

CLAYFIELD COPSE AND BLACKHOUSE WOOD

Leader: Tel. 0118 962 0622

Meet at the recreation ground car park on Caversham Park Road. We should see a wide variety of spring flowers and ancient woodland indicator species, such as wild service tree and crab apple. Some of the wood is secondary, derived from parkland with mature cedar trees, which provides an interesting contrast.

28th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU655727

HAREFIELD COPSE, TILEHURST

Leader: Tel. 0118 986 2149

Meet at the junction of City Road and Pincents Lane and park along City Road or Little Heath Road. We should be able to enjoy a fine display of bluebells and other spring flowers in Harefield Copse and the adjacent woods.

INFORMAL WEDNESDAY WALKS, STARTING AT 10.15 (but note that December’s walk is on a Thursday)

Venues will be established by the Monday evening of the week concerned. For details of the walks please ring:

Tel. 0118 942 9108 for 19th October

Tel 0118 947 8384 for 16th Nov

Tel. 0118 947 1772 for Thursday 15th Dec

Tel. 0118 957 3419 for 18th Jan

Tel 0118 947 1170 for 15th Feb

Tel 07760 436712 for 21st Mar

Tel. 0118 926 7441 for 18th Apr

Until the end of November, then again from mid-February, RDNHS members lead nature walks of about 3 miles at Basildon Park on Fridays. Meet at the National Trust ticket office at 10:30. (Start time may change in 2012).

Summer programme 2011

2nd April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU737714WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDENLeader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the car park next to the Harborne Building, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU721879
WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRINGLeader: Tel. 0118 962 0622
Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.

20th April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU576681
AROUND BEENHAM AND UPPER WOOLHAMPTONLeader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet at the Douai Abbey car park. A short walk of 3 miles, not strenuous, giving time to study and enjoy the wonders of early springtime.

10th May (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU681702
SEARLE’S FARMLeader: Tel. 0118 947 1170
Park at the side of Pingewood Road. An evening walk for spring migrants, with a good chance of hearing Nightingales.

14th May (Saturday) 14.30 at SU516627
HEADLEY GRAVEL PITSLeader: Tel. 01635 866 122
This Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Reserve has a superb colony of Green-winged Orchids – and black Adders too. Park in Headley Village at the lay-by on the Ashford Hill road. It is a short walk to the reserve from here across the A339.

18th May (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU666840
CHECKENDON AND JUDGES ROADLeader: Tel. 0118 984 4859
Meet at the Black Horse pub. From Checkendon Church, proceed NE for ½ mile. Take the 2nd turn on the left and then follow the very narrow lane for another ½ mile. This will be a 3½ mile general interest walk in a familiar and very beautiful area.

11th June (Saturday) 10.30 at SP833046
GRANGELANDS AND CADSDEN WOODLeader: Tel. 01296 748 932
1 mile from Princes Risborough on A4010, turn right at roundabout onto Cadsdean Rd. Car park is at top of hill on left, after 1 mile. Morning on chalk grassland of Grangelands/Pulpit Hill and afternoon amongst the beeches of Cadsden Woods. Musk and Bird’s-nest Orchids, Grizzled and Dingy Skippers and much more. Bring a packed lunch (or good pub nearby).

15th June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU710819
PEPPARD AND SONNING COMMONLeader: Tel. 0118 947 5441
A 4 mile circular walk skirting Peppard and Sonning Common. Mainly on the level, with a brief section on road, no stiles, two short inclines. Park on Rotherfield Peppard Common, at Red Lion (pub option for lunch). Walk includes common land, a spring, several ancient woods and finishes with Juniper.

21st June (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU464720
WINTERBOURNE AND BUSSOCK MAYNELeader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
Meet at Snelsmore Common car park for a 3 mile walk through the woods to Pebble Lane, then investigate the chalk grassland between Bussock Mayne and Winterbourne.

2nd July 14.30 and 3rd July from 10.00 at SU603777
BIOBLITZ AT BASILDON PARKLeader: Tel. 0118 957 3419
A weekend of recording at the National Trust’s Basildon Park, starting with a walk on Saturday afternoon. Meet at Coddesdon Lodge, where our OPAL grant equipment will be set up in the volunteer room. Go through the park almost to the exit at Park Wall Lane, then turn left for 400 metres. Moth trapping will start at 21.30 and perhaps we can do bats and badgers too. Come back for more recording on Sunday.

20th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU744793
BINFIELD HEATHLeader: Tel. 0118 966 9420
Meet at the Bottle and Glass, Harpsden Road for a gentle woodland walk, with some ups and downs, but not too steep and no stiles. May be muddy in wet weather. Explore the woodland rides for birds and butterflies.

30th July (Saturday) 14.00 at SU704813
PEPPARD COMMONLeaders: Tel. 0118 972 2137
Meet at the Peppard cross roads at the junction of Stoke Row Road and Gallowstree Road for a walk of about 4 miles, visiting Peppard Common, Littlebottom Wood, Great Bottom Wood and Kingwood Common. One long steep hill down and another up.

7th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU730840
LAMBRIDGE WOOD, BROADPLAT NEAR HENLEYLeader: Tel. 01491 578 633
Limited parking in wood on west side of road from Broadplat to Bix, car sharing encouraged. Target species include Green-flowered Helleborine and perhaps Yellow Bird’s-nest.

17th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU597774
UPPER BASILDONLeader: Tel. 01491 671 373
Park in the Village Hall car park on Bethesda Street. Walk down and up through the woods off Hook End Lane and look for chalkland plants. Lunch afterwards at The Red Lion Pub.

20th August (Saturday) 20.15 at SU620648
21st August (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING AT PADWORTH COMMONLeader: Norman Hall (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
Meet at the car park at the junction of Rectory Road and Reading Road for our annual mothing night. Bring torches and wear warm clothing. Be prepared to stay up late – or come along on Sunday morning to view the contents of the traps.

3rd September (Saturday) 14.30 at SU726533
BARTLEY HEATHLeader: Tel. 0118 986 2149
Meet at the Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust reserve car park on the east side of the B3349, 300 metres before M3 junction 5. The reserve is famous for the rare and beautiful Marsh Gentian; last year 650 specimens were recorded.

11th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU499651
GREENHAM COMMONLeader: Michael Keith-Lucas (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the Control Centre car park off Bury’s Bank Road. Mainly a heathland site, but with calcareous grassland along the former runways and interesting plants in the Alder woods in the gulleys to the south of the plateau. Autumn Lady’s-tresses should be in flower.

18th September (Sunday) 14.00 at SU667913
SWYNCOMBE DOWNSLeaders: Tel. 01235 511 861
Park at the junction with the track at the bottom of the hill. A general interest walk, with the chance of interesting arable weeds at the bottom, very steep woodland and scrub and then chalk grassland at the top.

21st September (Wednesday) 10.00 at SU741690
SHINFIELDLeaders: Tel. 0118 926 7441
Park on the road in Cutbush Lane near Shinfield Grange for a flat walk through farmland near the Loddon on the outskirts of Arborfield. About 4 miles, a few stiles. NOTE EARLIER START.

Previous programmes

Winter 2010 / 2011

17th October (Sunday) 14.30 at SU660814

LACKMORE WOOD, EXLADE STREET – FUNGUS FORAY

Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1772)

Coming from Caversham on the A4074, turn right towards Exlade Street and park at the side of the lane. Join us for our annual hunt for fungi in the woods.

4th November (Thursday)

COACH OUTING – ‘BEHIND THE SCENES AT KEW‘

Joint trip with Reading Gardeners. Includes tours of the Herbarium and the Jodrell Laboratory. See enclosed letter for details and booking form.

Coordinator: (Tel 0118 970 0805)

20th November (Saturday) 10.00 at SU602827

EARTHWORMS AT WITHYMEAD

Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2577)

Take the B4009 from Goring through Cleeve for 1 km, then turn left at the Leatherne Bottel PH sign. After the railway bridge, turn right along the track for 400m. Following his Earthworm talk on Tue 16th Nov, Dan will lead this practical session at Withymead. Bring a spade, a tray for sorting soil and gloves.

18th December (Saturday) 10.15 at SU702868

NETTLEBED AND WARBURG RESERVE

Leader: (Tel. 0118 957 3419)

Meet in Nettlebed near the old brick kiln. Walk to Crocker End, through yew woods down to Bix Bottom, through Warburg Nature Reserve and back via Magpies and Nettlebed Common. About 4 miles with some steep hills and stiles.

2011

22nd January (Saturday) 10.00 at SU678044

FARLINGTON MARSHES

Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170Mob. 07971 476144)

Joint field trip with BBOWT. Park along the track which leads from the roundabout at the junction of the A27 and Eastern Road for a day of ducks, grebes, geese and waders at LangstoneHarbour, Portsmouth. Bring a packed lunch.

19th February (Saturday) 10.00 at SU776797

SHIPLAKE FOR GEOLOGY

Leader: (Tel. 07790 896 118)

Meet at Shiplake Station to look at landscape and geological features of the area, including several river terrace gravels, as the River Thames cuts down into the chalk. About 3 miles.

12th March (Saturday)10.30 at SU470661

LICHENS IN NEWBURY

Leader: (Tel. 07920 138 757)

NewtownRoadCemetery, closed to the public for 10 years, is now undergoing wildlife assessments. We will explore lichens on the site (no expertise required!) and learn a little about its history. A hand lens would be useful. Park in Newtown Road.

2nd April (Saturday)14.30 at SU737714

WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDEN

Leader: (Tel. 0118 9862149)

Meet at the car park next to the HarborneBuilding, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17th April (Sunday)14.30 at SU721879

WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRING

Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)

Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.(Tel. 07790 896 118)

Meet at Shiplake Station to look at landscape and geological features of the area, including several river terrace gravels, as the River Thames cuts down into the chalk. About 3 miles.

12th March (Saturday) 10.30 at SU470661

LICHENS IN NEWBURY

Leader: (Tel. 07920 138 757)

Newtown Road Cemetery, closed to the public for 10 years, is now undergoing wildlife assessments. We will explore lichens on the site (no expertise required!) and learn a little about its history. A hand lens would be useful. Park in Newtown Road.

2nd April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU737714

WHITEKNIGHTS AND HARRIS GARDEN

Leader: (Tel. 0118 9862149)

Meet at the car park next to the Harborne Building, formerly Plant Science Laboratories. Take Pepper Lane Entrance of the University and turn right at the roundabout; turn right into the car park when the road bends to the left. Spring flower walk through the Wilderness, around the Lake and in the Harris Garden.

17th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU721879

WARBURG RESERVE IN SPRING

Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)

Meet at the car park at BBOWT’s Bix Bottom reserve. Explore this outstanding reserve while the spring flowers are at their best.

2010 Summer Programme

10th April (Saturday) 14.30 at SU772741
ALDER MOORS AT WOODLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 986 2149)
Meet at the car park off Denmark Ave. Enjoy the spring flowers in this ancient woodland which is now a local nature reserve.

21st April (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 624693
KENNET VALLEY AT SULHAMSTEAD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170)
Meet at the car park to the south of Sulhamstead Lock for a spring walk along the canal and river meadows. About 4 miles.

25th April (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 853842
QUARRY WOOD AND WINTER HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Meet in the Forestry Commission car park on the left going up the hill towards Maidenhead from the Bisham roundabout on the Marlow by-pass. Ancient woodland with spring flowers and some grassland too.

9th May (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 333687
* HUNGERFORD MARSH
Leader: (Tel. 01635 863 372)
Meet at the parish church in Hungerford. To reach it from Hungerford High Street, turn west into Church Street and then take the second turning right into Parsonage Lane. Park near the church. We should see wet meadow plants including Southern Marsh Orchid, Water Avens and Fen Bedstraw. Most of the local warblers should be present.

29th May (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 558623
ASHFORD HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 957 3419)
Park in the old road on the east of the B3051 just to the north of the Ship Inn. We will explore the meadows between Ashford Hill and Oxford Bridge, then move on to the National Nature Reserve for marsh orchids, Dyer’s Greenweed and perhaps Adders.

3rd June (Thursday) 10.30 at SU 770816
HENLEY
Leader: (Tel. 01491 578 633)
Park in the Mill Lane car park. See the Water Vole garden which has been created by the River and Rowing Museum. The wet meadow flowers in the conservation area of Mill Meadows should be at their best.

12th June (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 664789
GUTTERIDGE’S WOOD
Leader: (Tel. 0118 972 2137)
Meet at the former King Charles Head pub (now a private house) for a woodland walk, looking for ferns and orchids.

23rd June (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 756753
AROUND SONNING AND THE RIVER THAMES
Leader: (Tel. 0118 984 4859)
Take the B4446, Sonning Lane, off the A4. At the end of the lane, before entering the village, park on the left hand side. A short walk through the village to St. Patrick’s Stream and along the Thames to the Lock. 3.5 miles

26th June (Saturday)
CHILTERN GATEWAY AND COLLEGE LAKE
Coordinator: (Tel. 0118 941 4750)
See enclosed letter with details and booking form

6th July (Tuesday) 19.00 at SU 463608
SANDHAM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, BURGHCLERE
Leader: (Tel. 01635 866 122)
Leave the A34 4 miles south of Newbury and follow the brown National Trust signs for ½ mile. This is a new venue for the Society. We will enjoy the wild flowers in the orchard, before going inside for a private viewing of the Stanley Spencer paintings on the walls of the Chapel.

10th July (Saturday) 11.00 at SU 380616
WEST WOODHAY AND COOMBE GIBBET
Leader: (Tel. 0118 947 1170)
Joint meeting with BBOWT. Park in the car park to the east of Walbury Hill, where the Wayfarer’s Walk meets the road, for chalk flora, butterflies and ravens. Bring a packed lunch. Distance – about 4 miles.

14th July (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 525856
BLEWBURTON HILL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 957 3419)
Coming from Reading, go through Blewbury on the A417, then turn left beyond the village for the car park in Boham’s Road. This will be a pleasant walk along the waterside lanes in Blewbury, then up to the Iron Age fort at Blewburton Hill. Distance – 4 miles with one stile (twice).

24th July (Saturday) 14.30 at SU 519441
MICHELDEVER
Leader: (Tel. 0118 941 1688)
Take Micheldever Station road from Overton. Just north of A303, take track north of grain silos and park in wood storage area north of track. Please avoid grain store turning. Harold Makant from Natural England will lead a farm walk and tell us about agri-environment schemes on a holding of national importance for arable plants (by kind permission of Mr John Harley). Afterwards, we will have the option of visiting Micheldever spoil heaps SSSI for plants and butterflies.

31st July (Saturday) 19.00 at SU 678523
MAPLEDURWELL FEN AND GREYWELL
Leader: (Tel. 0118 970 0805)
Park in Greywell Road, by the entrance to Hants and IOW Wildlife Trust’s Mapledurwell Fen reserve, described as ‘the richest half-acre in Hampshire’. Then on to Greywell Moors reserve, then at dusk to the Basingstoke Canal at Greywell for bats. Be prepared to stay out late and bring a torch.

7th August (Saturday) 20.30 at SU 644777
8th August (Sunday) 09.00
MOTHING NIGHT AT CHALKHILLS, WHITCHURCH
Organiser: (Tel. 0118 975 1499)
We are delighted to be invited back to Chalkhills (formerly Bozedown Vineyard), the site of one of our most successful recent mothing nights. Bring torches and wear warm clothing. Be prepared to stay up late – but if you need an early night, you can come back on Sunday morning to view the contents of the traps.

15th August (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 583807
THE HOLIES, STREATLEY
Leader: (Tel. 01635 866 122)
Park in the National Trust car park across the road at Lardon Chase. A superb site for chalk flowers and invertebrates. Chalkhill Blue and second generation Adonis Blue butterflies should be on the wing. There will be some steep slopes on the walk.

18th August (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 579940
DORCHESTER ON THAME AND ISISLeader: (Tel. 0118 984 4859)
Park in Bridge End – over the bridge and on the left opposite Dorchester Abbey. Exploring these two rivers and the lanes and meadows around this ancient village. 4 miles.

3rd September (Friday) 10.30 at SU 597761
UPPER BASILDON
Leader: (Tel. 01491 651 609)
Park at the Red Lion, Upper Basildon for a 5 mile walk in woods and quiet roads & villages – almost stile-free but a steep hill near end of walk. Expected finish time: 13.00 for lunch at pub.

15th September (Wednesday) 10.15 at SU 825840
HURLEY
Leader: (Tel. 0118 942 9108)
Meet at the free car park close to the Thames at Hurley for a four mile walk, firstly west along the Thames Path then south and uphill past Hurley chalk pit BBOWT reserve.

19th September (Sunday) 14.30 at SU 850630
WILDMOOR HEATH
Leader: (Tel. 0118 962 0622)
Park in the lane heading north off Rackstraw Road, Owlsmoor. The reserve is a mix of wet alder woods, heathland and bog, and in the past has had Dartford Warblers, Sand Lizards and a variety of unusual bog plants.

2009/2010 Winter Programme

2009

17th October (Saturday) 14.00 at SU767782
SHIPLAKE CHURCHYARD AND ENVIRONS